Hot!
John Mahama calls out government over failed campaign promise
Former president John Dramani Mahama has called out the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for failing to stick to its campaign promise of taxing businesses less and increasing production.
Speaking at the 7th Ghana CEO Summit and Expo in Accra on Monday May 22, 2023, he said excessive taxing of businesses has seen some companies close down, while others have relocated to neighbouring countries.
Mr Mahama stated that “Having family and friends who own businesses, I know about the endless tax audits dating back several years that you continue to face. The call to appear at EOCO (the Economic and Organized Crime Unit), the harassment over social security payments, multiple fees and charges for clearing imports and exports at the ports, etc.”
“Indeed, there are many of you today who use the free port of Lome to import your goods and track them all the way into Ghana because of the plethora of fees and charges that we have at our ports. In any case, who can tell me what happened to the famous mantra, and I quote ‘from taxation to production? There is dwindling production and gargantuan taxation.”
Mr Mahama indicated that despite the taxes the government has placed on businesses, the conditionalities of the government’s programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will see many more businesses face some challenges going forward.
He said the government did not only fail to increase production and aid businesses but has also caused Ghana to lose its position as the best place to do business in West Africa.
Mr Mahama berated government officials for lying to Ghanaians with “doctored fiscal and budget data” about the state of the economy last year, only to run to the IMF to seek a bailout.
“The higher tax burden imposed recently and the government’s agreements with IMF to remove the majority of VAT and duty exemptions is a very challenging environment for businesses that have decided to remain in Ghana despite the poor investment climate that has been created by this administration.”
“Government’s agreement with the fund to increase electricity and water tariffs quarterly creates an additional burden. And let’s face it as captains of industry, you know that Ghana has lost her pride of place as the best place to do business in West Africa. The flowers that attracted you to set up your businesses in Ghana are gradually withering away,” he said.
Mr Mahama promised that if elected into office, his government will ensure meaningful partnerships with the private sector both domestic and foreign for sustainable growth, to unleash the potential of the private sector to contribute its share to uplifting the Ghanaian economy.
“I do not see the private sector as merely an avenue to fund our taxes,” he noted.
Source: Myjoyonline
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
